USA TODAY's exhaustive Michigan football preview

3:01 AM,
Aug. 21, 2013

Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner

Written by

Paul Myerberg
USA TODAY Sports

How did Michigan move from 7-6 in 2010 to 11 wins in 2011, coach Brady Hoke's first year with the program? Simple: U-M made enormous strides in the four areas where all great teams excel - on third down, in the running game, in turnover margin and in overall team discipline.

The Wolverines improved to 15th nationally in third-down offense and moved from 95th in the FBS to 36th in third-down defense. U-M was plus-seven in turnover margin, up from minus-10 in 2010. The Wolverines' run defense clipped 57.2 yards per game off its 2010 total. Discipline: U-M finished fifth nationally in penalties and ...